Assisteens of Capistrano Valley Honored for Charitable Work

San Clemente Times

There are 17 Assisteens of Capistrano Valley graduating this year from local high schools. These young women are recognized for their dedication to philanthropy in their communities. The Rose Medallion Ball, which will highlight the Assisteens’ achievements. It will take place May 29 at the Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort in Dana Point. For more information, visit www.assisteens.org.

Andrea Apodaca

Andrea Apodaca, daughter of Mrs. Beth Apodaca, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for four years. Andrea has enjoyed Christmas shopping every year for families in need, delivering the gifts to the families and witnessing the joy and excitement on their faces. She will cherish the wonderful memories of the friendships and rewards Assisteens has given her. Andrea plans to continue volunteer work when she attends college in the fall.

Kaitlin Barron

Kaitlin Barron, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Barron, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for three years. Kaitlin has always enjoyed working at the Bargain Box, but her absolute favorite memory was Operation School Bell and seeing how appreciative the recipients were. Kaitlin will be fine-tuning her vocal instrument at The Manhattan School of Music in New York in the fall.

Ashley Nicole DeCollibus

Ashley Nicole DeCollibus, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dante DeCollibus, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for four years. Ashley has enjoyed being the Bargain Box Coordinator, as well as Co-Chair of Assisteens this year. Her favorite Assisteens activity is helping the kids pick out a Christmas present and new shoes at the FAM Christmas Party. Their grateful expressions put a smile on her face and remind her to be thankful for the little things in life. Ashley will be attending Seattle University in the fall.

Sierra Nicole Garrett

Sierra Nicole Garrett, daughter of Ms. Lori Garrett, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Her favorite activities in Assisteens were delivering the Thanksgiving baskets to less fortunate families and also shopping with the kids for Operation School Bell. Sierra looks forward to majoring in Elementary/Special Education at Boise State in the fall.

Avery Nicole Goldberg

Avery Nicole Goldberg, daughter of Mr. Goldberg & Mrs. Cottrill, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Her favorite activity was working at the Bargain Box and helping the customers. These experiences led to her landing a job at a local clothing store. She has loved being involved in her community through Assisteens. In the fall, Avery will be attending University of Oregon.

Paris Nicole Hull

Paris Nicole Hull, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Arthur Hull, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Paris has truly enjoyed working the baked goods tent at the USMC 3^rd Track Family Beach Day down at Camp Pendleton. She loves how excited the troops are to have some delicious home baked goodies. Paris is actively involved in Theater at San Clemente High School, and plans to continue volunteering as she studies Musical Theater at San Diego State University in the fall.

Brenna Faith Johnston

Brenna Faith Johnston, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Brian & Elizabeth Johnston, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Brenna enjoyed working at the USMC Family Beach party, as well as Operation School Bell, and serving as co-chair of Assisteens this year. All of these activities have made her realize the effect philanthropy has on her community. Brenna looks forward to attending University of Washington in the fall.

Molly Angela Harmon

Molly Angela Harmon, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Harmon, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for three years. Molly has enjoyed being the chairperson for FAM and the Inspiration chair. Some of her favorite Assisteens memories are volunteering at the Senior Citizen’s home, the FAM Christmas Party and working Puttin’ on the Glitz with her sister, Maisie. In the fall, Molly will be studying Journalism at Michigan State University.

Courtney Ann Horvath

Courtney Ann Horvath, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory C. Horvath, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Courtney’s favorite memory of Assisteens was hosting the Operation Christmas Child event. She enjoyed putting together the boxes for the less fortunate around the world for the holidays. Courtney plans on attending Santa Barbara City College in the fall.

Hannah Katherine Jolly

Hannah Katherine Jolly, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jason Jolly, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Hannah has loved being Historian and capturing all of the many exciting events Assisteens has participated in. Operation School Bell was her favorite, as she loved how excited the kids were to receive new clothes and necessities for school. Hannah will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall.

Jacqueline Maria Lewis

Jacqueline Maria Lewis, daughter of James & Demetra Lewis, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for four years. Jacqueline’s favorite Assisteens memories are always around the holidays, and at Puttin’ on the Glitz, where she gets joy out of seeing the excited families. Jacqueline will be attending Seattle University in the fall.

Emily Ann Mauldin

Emily Ann Mauldin, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eric Mauldin, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Her favorite Assisteens activity was shopping for Christmas presents for the FAM kids, and loved watching the joy it gave them. Emily will be attending Chico State in the fall.

Isabella Leigh Moiso

Isabella Leigh Moiso, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Moiso, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Isabella has enjoyed being the Ways and Means chairperson, and especially loved delivering Thanksgiving baskets to families in need. She loves the opportunity Assisteens has given her to give back to her community. Isabella will be studying Nursing at the University of Missouri in the fall.

Marie Katherine Paris

Marie Katherine Paris, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Paris, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Marie’s favorite memory in Assisteens was delivering the Thanksgiving baskets. She will never forget how thrilled the families were that they could have a real Thanksgiving dinner. She is grateful for the opportunities the organization provided her to connect with her community. Marie will be attending UC San Diego in the fall.

Natalie Grace Roy

Natalie Grace Roy, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Roy, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for four years.  Natalie is grateful for all she has learned from Assisteens and the many heartfelt moments she has witnessed have made her realize how philanthropy can truly make a difference. She absolutely loved helping the kids pick out Christmas gifts at the FAM Holiday Party. Natalie looks forward to attending the University of Boulder, Colorado in the fall.

Alexa Christine Vandenburg

Alexa Christine Vandenburg, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael W. Vandenburg, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Alexa loved working at the FAM Christmas Party with her sister Brie and friend Sydney. She enjoyed helping the kids decorate cookies and ride the snow hill. Volunteering and being involved in the community during the holidays was a great experience that she will never forget. Alexa will be attending Southern Methodist University in the fall.

Brianna Rae Vandenburg

Brianna Rae Vandenburg, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael W. Vandenburg, has been a member of the Assisteens Auxiliary for five years. Brie’s favorite memory of Assisteens was working at the FAM Holiday party with her friend Sydney and sister Alexa. She loved handing out gifts and cookies to the local kids. She enjoyed the wonderful experience working with the kids in the community and being involved with such a great organization. Brianna will be attending Southern Methodist University in the fall.